Paramedics felt belittled and vulnerable by aggressive patient
Judge Fiona Lydon was told the defendant urinated in the back of the ambulance, which was forced to stop twice.
Two ambulance crew members told a judge how they felt threatened and were put in fear by the actions of a highly intoxicated patient and that incidents like this are becoming more common.
Edward McLoughlin, aged 42, of 63 River Village, Monksland, Athlone, pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to a breach of the Public Order Act at Ummoon, Foxford on December 15, 2021.
The defendant sustained a serious leg injury while socialising at a function in the early hours and an ambulance was called to take McLoughlin to Mayo University Hospital.
Gda Rebecca Fearon responded to a 3.30am complaint from paramedics Michael Kenny and Derek Walsh who were having difficulty with an aggressive, abusive and uncooperative patient.
Sgt John O’Reilly told Judge Fiona Lydon last week the defendant repeatedly removed belts from a stretcher, and he urinated in the back of the ambulance, which was forced to stop twice.
Mr Kenny and Mr Walsh outlined the effect the incident had on them to Judge Lydon in their victim impact statement incidents.
“I felt belittled, I felt angry, I also feel going forward this leaves me vulnerable dealing with patients such as this. It is not that rare and it is becoming a little more prevalent,” Mr Kenny said. “I know it’s our job but it’s our vocation too and it’s about respect.”
The paramedics stated they had received no apology from the defendant, despite the defendant’s solicitor Peter Loftus saying his client had apologised to Gda Fearon.
Mr Walsh stated he had feelings of being upset, vulnerable and exposed.
“I also had a feeling of worthlessness and just for that moment a feeling of fear because of the threat he posed to us,” he said. “Incidents like this are becoming more common and it has become an acceptable part of our working environment.”
Judge Lydon said it is fundamental in any civilised society that paramedics and emergency service personnel are treated with respect and feel safe doing their jobs.
She said she wants to ensure McLoughlin never behaves in a similar manner again and she requested a Probation Report adjourning the case until February 27, 2024.
